‘Oprah' Finale Ads Cost Big Bucks

A 30-second ad is going for $1 million

Oprah Winfrey's final show in Chicago stands to make some hefty advertising cash.

Winfrey execs are asking $1 million per 30-second ad during the May 25 finale, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Sound high? Well, it's more than some recent TV finales, but it doesn't top the reported $2 million paid for the series finale of "Friends," the Sun-Times points out, or the $1.42 million sought for the final episode of "Seinfeld."

In February, Chicago-based Groupon shelled out $3 million for its ill-fated spots during the Super Bowl.

Oprah announced in 2009 that she would end her top-rated daytime talk show after 25 years. Since then, she launched the "Oprah Winfrey Network" and rumors surfaced among devoted fans about her Chicago-based series' last show.

Details remain top secret, but tidbits have squeaked out about guests in forthcoming episodes.

On Tuesday, White House sources confirmed President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama will head to Harpo Studios on April 27 to tape something for the Oprah show. Among other big names gracing Oprah's couch these days are Tina Fey and rockers Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett.

Winfrey leaves Chicago with her West Loop studios in the hands of friend Rosie O'Donnell. O'Donnell will tape her new daytime talk show there, scheduled to launch in the fall on The Oprah Winfrey Network.


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